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Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Comic Artist Starter Pack

I thought I'd written this list at least a dozen times, but checking my archives, it's nowhere to be seen. I've probably written it as a draft a dozen times, and through various computer deaths, have lost it a dozen times. So by popular request, here are my recommendations for those interested in making comics.

There's no 'gimmick' that will make you a better artist, let alone a better comic artist. I refuse to promise easy steps, or that these materials will change your life for the better. What matters most is the time YOU put in to improving.

These are, however, materials and methods that work for me. These are the tools I use regularly, the books I've learned from

Sketching:

Nonphoto blue lead- I like Color Eno Soft Blue in .7HB and B Graphite lead- I prefer Pentel Hi Polymer leads in .7Mechanical Pencils- I have at least 2- 1 dedicated to holding non photo blue lead, 1 for my H lead, 1 for B lead. The metal bodied drafting pencils look legit, but after years of using one, it's wrecked my hand. For regular sketching, plastic is more than fine, and if you can find something you like with a good grip, all the better. You can always buy different pencils, but you've only got one pair of hands.

I invested in a 24" Alumicolor aluminum ruler that has lasted me half a decade with no signs of deterioration but honestly, even cheap rulers are fine. I would stay away from wavy metal yardsticks. 12" and 18" clear plastic rulers are fantastic and very affordableSchool compass for circles

For even more great recommendations, please check the sidebar on the blog. You can also check out this fairly comprehensive list.

You learn the most reading other people's work and analyzing what works and what does not. You cannot write/draw if you don't consume the works of others, so read avidly!

If you're broke and JUST starting out, I highly recommend you purchase a sketchbook, a copy of Glen Vilppu's Drawing Manual, and some color pencils/wooden graphite pencils and get to sketching. Those items, your time, and sincere dedication to practice and improvement, are some of the best investments you can make in your artistic development.

Vigilante comic artist, illustrator, and comic craft blogger at www.nattosoup.blogspot.com. I have an MFA from SCAD in Sequential Art, which means I'm highly educated in the art of drawing funny picture books. I specialize in comics aimed at young girls, and enjoy the finer things in life- seinen manga, whiney autobio graphic novels, and science fiction.

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